Portland State University

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Doctoral/Research Universities

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Quarter
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

Portland State University History

Portland State University is located in Portland, Oregon. Now a member of the Oregon University System, it officially adopted the name in 1969. It was founded as an extension center in 1946 and now awards bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Portland State University defines its mission as “to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic qualities of urban life by providing access throughout the life span to quality Liberal Education for undergraduates and an appropriate array of professional and graduate programs especially relevant to metropolitan areas.”

Portland State University Academics

Its primary academic programs are delivered through Portland State’s seven colleges and schools. Along with the more traditional arts and science programs, PSU is home to a school of Engineering & Computer Science and a school of Urban & Public Affairs.

The University is composed of a number of different schools and colleges: the School of Business Administration, the Graduate School of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer science, the College of Fine & Performing Arts, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the Graduate School of Social Work, and the College of Urban & Public Affairs.

Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in a number of different disciplines, including accounting, African studies, art, child and family studies, computer engineering, European studies, health studies, information systems, Japanese, mechanical engineering, political science, sculpture, speech and hearing science, and theatre arts. Minors are offered in many of these fields and also available in several others, such as Arabic, classical studies, computer applications, environmental engineering, international economics, Native American studies, and professional writing.

Additionally, there is an undergraduate Honors College intended for students who plan to attend graduate or professional school. Students in the honors program do not need to meet the general university requirements and instead work within the Honors College and their departmental majors.

Master’s degrees are awarded in the liberal arts and sciences, education, business administration (MBA), studio arts, engineering, social work, and the programs in the College of Urban & Public Affairs, among others.

The school awards twelve doctoral degrees, several with particular concentrations, in fields such as mathematics, engineering, environmental sciences, urban studies, and education, including counselor education. There are no doctoral degrees in the arts and humanities.

Portland State University Unique Programs

Perhaps the most innovated program at PSU is “Chiron,” named for a mythical educator. Students actually teach the courses offered through Chiron, and students may enroll in these peer-taught classes. Students also manage the program, serving as Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator, positions which are rotated every year through an application process facilitated by the Chiron Committee, also staffed by students. Obviously, Chiron instructors gain valuable experience as instructors. Students also benefit a great deal from the open exchange of ideas with their peers.

Portland State University Financial Aid

Portland State encourages all students, regardless of major or previous academic performance, to complete and submit a FAFSA to be considered for financial aid. The more traditional finance options are among the most prominent at Portland State, including Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, the Perkins Loan program, and the Stafford Loan program. Portland State also offers the opportunity of the Oregon Opportunity Grant and the Oregon University Program Supplemental Grant Program.

In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students were $1802 for 18 credits in 2004-2005. Students applying from out of state and graduate students will have different costs.

Financial aid is available with a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

Portland State University Students

Portland State offers more than 100 student organizations around campus, including Greek groups and student political groups. The Student Activities and Leadership Program (SALP) offers students with different interests the opportunity to start their own student group if one does not currently exist to fit their needs.

Portland State also has a bevy of student-related activities on campus. The more traditional events include movie nights, lectures, and music recitals. Some of the less traditional events include Family Week, community forums, a feminism conference, and culturally-oriented dinners.

The Portland State University campus is located in downtown Portland. The campus is dense, with the buildings located close together. There is a nearby church, a large fountain, a private school, and other similar buildings around the campus. The Northwest Center for Engineering, Science & Technology is part of the campus.

The Portland State University Library offers electronic catalogs and on-line databases, in additional to physical volumes stored on site or available through interlibrary loan. The Library is home to the University archives.

Portland State University Traditions

Portland State’s most prominent tradition is the athletic Hall of Fame. Inductees include prominent student athletes who have performed well on the field, gone on to become successful professional athletes, or both. Portland State also has a thriving cheer and dance squad responsible for keeping spirits high at various athletic events.

Portland State University Local Community

Portland is the heart of America’s northwest region, and it is surrounded by some of the nation’s most beautiful rivers, lakes, forests, and skies. Outdoor leisure opportunities abound. The city itself could be considered a small big city or a big small city. It offers the amenities of both. The hip culture of nearby Seattle has made its way to Portland, offering students the coolest in record stores, clothing shops, and new restaurants. The Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Society, and a performing arts facility are all within walking distance of the Portland State campus.

The city of Portland is Oregon’s major metropolitan area, and offers an art museum, a performing arts complex, an NBA team, minor-league baseball, a zoo, public gardens, and hiking and biking trails.